Book to Movie: EAT PRAY LOVE

When EAT PRAY LOVE came out quite a few years back, the cover intrigued me and I decided to give it a shot. Something about this book really struck a chord with many women.  Now, it is a book club staple. I have not yet read Gilbert's follow-up, COMMITTED, but I enjoy her first memoir. There is a vicarious pleasure in reading about a woman who was completely unencumbered and able to take a year of her life off to travel and work on herself.

I was a little disappointed to hear that Julia Roberts had been cast in the movie version of this book. I had envisioned someone more like Diane Lane. Indeed, after seeing the movie, the tone and style was very reminiscent of UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN.  I did enjoy the movie. I thought it was a very competent adaptation of the book. My fellow movie-goers thought the film was a little long. None of them had read the book. Because I knew what was coming, I didn't feel that the plot was slow in unraveling. So, if you enjoyed the book, you will probably enjoy the movie.

Another recent adaptation that I was impressed with? The Swedish film version of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. That book offers many challenges in terms of adapting it for film but I thought the filmmakers did an excellent job.

Look for more "Book to Movie" posts in the future!